STEROIDS

Body building, muscle enhancement, or the increase of muscle bulk or strength through the use of an anabolic steroid or human growth hormone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is a criminal offense.

Students participating in UIL athletic competition may be subject to random steroid testing. More information on the UIL testing program may be found on the UIL Web site at http://www.uiltexas.org/health/steroid-information.

STUDENTS IN PROTECTIVE CUSTODY OF THE STATE

The District strives to assist any student who has been placed in either temporary or permanent conservatorship (custody) of the state of Texas with the enrollment and registration process, as well as other educational services throughout the student’s enrollment in the District.

Please contact Dr. Nita Ellis, Executive Director of Student Services, who has been designated as the District’s liaison for children in the conservatorship of the state, at (817)598-2803 with any questions.

The District provides students the opportunity to introduce the following school events:

Football games;

Opening announcements and greetings for the school day;

Pep rallies

If a student meets the eligibility criteria and wishes to introduce one of the school events listed above, the student should submit his or her name in accordance with policy FNA(Local).

[See FNA(LOCAL) regarding other speaking opportunities and Graduation on page 37 for information related to student speech at graduation ceremonies.]

SUICIDE AWARENESS

The District is committed to partnering with parents to support the healthy mental, emotional, and behavioral development of its students. If you are concerned about your child, please access the following websites or contact the school counselor for more information related to suicide prevention and to find mental health services available in your area:

www.texassuicideprevention.org

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhservices-search/

SUMMER SCHOOL / VIRTUAL SCHOOLWeatherford High School students may attend summer school each summer to make up courses that they have failed during the regular school year or to take additional courses required for graduation. Two half-credits can be earned each summer. For more information, contact the counselor’s office.

The WISD Virtual School is a new opportunity for students to earn high school credits from home. This teacher-led online instructional program provides the opportunity for students to recover credit, accelerate, or create space on their WHS schedule for additional courses. Students are responsible for the fees for these courses. For more information contact Dr. Chip Evans at 817-598-2800 ext. 3151.

TAKS (TEXAS ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS)

See Standardized Testing on page 57.

TARDINESS

A student who is tardy to class may be assigned to detention hall. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action, in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
Repeated occurrences of tardiness will result in disciplinary action. A student who is more than 15 minutes late to a class will be counted absent. The only cleared tardies in effect at Weatherford High School and Weatherford Ninth Grade Center include: doctor/dental/court appointments and written passes by school officials.
Students may be assigned detention by teachers for excessive tardiness. Three tardies in any class will result in an absence being charged to the student for exemption purposes. Referral to an administrator for tardiness will result in more severe punishment, such as:
• ISS/AC placement

Textbooks and other District-approved instructional materials are provided to students free of charge for each subject or class. Any books must be covered by the student, as directed by the teacher, and treated with care. Electronic textbooks and technological equipment may also be provided to students, depending on the course and course objectives. A student who is issued a damaged item should report the damage to the teacher. Any student failing to return an item in acceptable condition loses the right to free textbooks and technological equipment until the item is returned or the damage paid for by the parent; however, the student will be provided the necessary instructional resources and equipment for use at school during the school day.

TRANSFERS

The principal is authorized to transfer a student from one classroom to another.

[See School Safety Transfers, on page 8, Bullying on page ___, and Options and Requirements for Providing Assistance to Students Who Have Learning Difficulties or Who Need or May Need Special Education Services, on page 9, for other transfer options.]

TRANSPORTATION

School-Sponsored Trips

Students who participate in school-sponsored trips are required to use transportation provided by the school to and from the event. The principal, however, may make an exception if the parent makes a written request that the student be released to the parent or to another adult designated by the parent.

Buses and Other School Vehicles

The District makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more miles from school. This service is provided at no cost to students. Bus routes and any subsequent changes are posted at the school.

A parent may also designate a child-care facility or grandparent’s residence as the regular pickup and drop-off location for his or her child. The designated facility or residence must be on an approved stop on an approved route. For information on bus routes and stops or to designate an alternate pickup or drop-off location, you may contact Durham Transportation at 817/341-0616.

[See the Student Code of Conduct for provisions regarding transportation to the DAEP.]

Students are expected to assist District staff in ensuring that buses remain in good condition and that transportation is provided safely. When riding in District vehicles, students are held to behavioral standards established in this handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. Students must:

Follow the driver’s directions at all times.

Enter and leave the bus or van in an orderly manner at the designated stop.